OR Circulating RN

Job Summary

The Circulating Nurse is responsible for the proper and efficient management of all activities in the operating room. As a team member, he/she manages the nonsterile field and observes the sterile field during the surgical procedure. Works with surgical tech to assemble and open all sterile supplies and equipment needed by the operating room to perform the required surgery such as linens, instruments, dressings, suture, needles, solution, etc.

Essential Job Functions

· Prepares operating room with the scrub tech by proper damp dusting of all surfaces, arranging and equipping the room with all necessary supplies and equipment.

· Organizes and gets supplies before, during, and after procedure.

· Performs an instrument and sponge count with surgical tech.

· Greet and identify the patient:

· Check the patient chart to see that the consent is properly signed, lab work completed, history and physical are done and preoperative medication is given.

· Assists surgeon in marking the surgical site if applicable prior to being taken to the OR

· Assists with transporting the pt. to the OR

· By stretcher, W/C, or ambulatory; maintains patient safety at all times.

· Assists with correct and safe patient positioning and use of positioning aids applicable to specific surgery being performed.

· Performs hair removal, as necessary.

· Perform skin preparation according to specific surgery.

· Assists the anesthesia personnel.

· Monitor placement.

· Intubation/Extubating and emergence from anesthesia

· Assists with sterile gowning of the surgical team, adjusts lights.

· Performs a surgical Time Out

· Maintains a surgically clean environment outside the sterile field.

· Maintains order in the OR

· Assists with applying dressings postoperatively.

· Assists with preparation and transport of the pt. to the recovery unit.

· Maintains surgical documentation in the patients EHR.

· Documents surgical charges

· Completes Surgical Log located on the P-drive.

· Bags specimens properly, label them, fill out pathology records, and take them to lab.

· Staff’s endoscopy room when on call.

· Assists nursing staff when on call in emergency situations if not needed in the Operating Room.

· Must be knowledgeable of state and federal confidentiality laws, including and not limited to HIPAA, and be familiar with and follow all policies, procedures and instructions regarding the privacy and security of protected health information applicable to the position.

· Must be able to meet physical demands and working conditions, outlined below.

· Regular and reliable attendance.

· Other duties as assigned.

· Graduate from an accredited school of nursing and possession of a license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Idaho.

· Current Idaho Nursing license

· Maintains ACLS and BLS certifications per hospital protocol.

Skills/Competencies

· Thorough Skills: Understands principles of asepsis and its application. Knows the care, sterilization and all other supplies used in the operating room.

· Knows the care and safe operation of equipment such as cautery, monitoring devices, laparoscopy, and other special equipment.

· Is familiar with the preferences of the operating surgeon and can anticipate the needs of the OR team.

· Is aware of the experience level and limitations of nursing and auxiliary personnel.

· Understands and applies sound teaching and learning principles.

· Understands and practices safety measures to prevent injuries to patients and personnel.

· Knows what procedure to follow in case of an emergency. Can recognize and correct technique breaks.

· Understands the meaning of each operative procedure.

· Knowledge of obstetrical nursing.

· Knowledge of endoscopy procedures, patient care, the care, and use of endoscopy equipment.